Is It Bad to Eat a Lot of Jalapenos?

The heat of jalapenos comes from a compound called capsaicin.

You love to shock your friends at your favorite Mexican restaurant by piling as many jalapeno peppers on your enchilada as possible and finishing the entire plate without even shedding a tear. Even at home, you add jalapenos to everything from omelets to lasagna. But could your love of jalapenos be hurting your health? While there's no definitive scientific proof on the matter, some research points to excess intake of an active compound in jalapenos as being a cancer risk.

Jalapenos and Capsaicin

Jalapenos are a member of the capsicum family, along with chili peppers, bell peppers, paprika and cayenne pepper. Their fiery flavor comes from a compound called capsaicin, which occurs in varying amounts in different peppers and accounts for the hotness of some and the mildness of others. Capsaicin has been used in traditional medicine for pain relief and to treat certain skin conditions like psoriasis. However, the capsaicin content is also responsible for some of the potential negative effects you may experience if you eat too many jalapenos.

Capsaicin and Cancer

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, scientists aren't sure whether capsaicin may play a role in cancer development, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasn't released a cancer rating for the substance. One study published in the "International Journal of Cancer" in August 2003 found a link between jalapeno consumption and gastric cancer development in participants in three areas of Mexico. Researchers found that those who ate the most jalapenos each day -- nine to 25 peppers -- had a significantly higher risk of gastric cancer than those who consumed the lowest amount of jalapenos -- zero to fewer than three peppers per day.

Other Potential Issues

The National Pesticide Information Center reports that consuming too much capsaicin from jalapenos or other chili peppers can be very irritating to the mouth, stomach and intestines. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea from eating too many jalapenos. If you get heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux, strike jalapenos from your menu. Spicy foods can trigger or worsen your condition, reports the Penn Medicine website.

Nutritional Benefits of Jalapenos

If you don't get gastrointestinal upset when you eat jalapenos, keep eating them in moderation. Capsaicin may offer several health benefits, including relief from headaches and arthritis and prevention of sinus infections. Plus, jalapenos are low in fat and free of saturated fat and cholesterol, and they're also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A and K and potassium. You can slice them and eat them raw, or cut them in half, top them with a little cheese and grill them for a healthy, spicy treat.

About the Author

Jody Braverman is a professional writer and editor based in Atlanta. She studied creative writing at the American University of Paris and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland. She also received personal trainer certification from NASM and her 200-hour yoga teacher certification from YogaWorks.